NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
The 2019 Nissan Altima scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 221 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A strong crash-test performance anchors the 2019 Nissan Altima AWD, yet it achieves only an Average 76/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. Seven recall campaigns and a 3.5 out of 10 for avoidance technology detract from otherwise solid ratings. This is an acceptable, rather than exceptional, safety profile.
The 2019 Nissan Altima AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Nissan Altima ranks 96 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 221 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 96 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Nissan Altima?
The 2019 Altima AWD achieved an overall Safety Index of 76 out of 100, largely due to its robust crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70. This was supported by near-perfect star ratings in side impact and rollover tests, complemented by a 4-star frontal crash rating. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology presents a significant vulnerability, scoring only 3.5 out of 10. Forward collision warning is entirely absent from this trim configuration, and lane departure warning is an optional feature. This suggests a considerable number of 2019 Altima AWD vehicles may lack these critical safety systems. The defect record sub-score of 7 out of 20 further highlights concerns, stemming from seven recall campaigns issued for this model year. This volume of recalls is substantial for a newly redesigned vehicle. Owner complaints corroborate these findings, with 221 reports filed, 41 of which specifically cite issues with the forward collision avoidance system.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Altima AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side and rollover protection both earned 5-star ratings, with a rollover risk of 9 percent and no dynamic tip observed. Frontal protection was rated at 4 out of 5 stars, preventing a clean sweep of perfect scores across all categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14117
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include internal engine hard parts, two separate rearview camera and harness campaigns, Continental tires, and a fuel pump on FWD 2.5-liter variants. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory is noted in the data, but the engine and fuel-pump campaigns warrant close attention. Buyers should verify every campaign is remedied by VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V437000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Reported 2025-06-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V628000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this r
Reported 2023-09-08
TIRES21V169000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
Reported 2021-03-11
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2019-09-12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP19V316000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly. If the lock ring is disengaged, dealers will tighten the ring to specification. If the lock ring is detached, dealers will replace the fuel pump. Both remedies will be completed free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2019-04-18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH19V235000
Risk: If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2019-03-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP18V922000
Risk: If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will route the fuel hose into the holding clip and lock the retainer clip into place, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2018-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has logged 221 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 54 reports, Unknown or Other issues at 46, Engine at 44, and Forward Collision Avoidance at 41. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
221 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Nissan Altima?
Seven recall campaigns have been issued for the 2019 Nissan Altima AWD. Prospective buyers should confirm all open remedies have been completed by a Nissan dealer before purchase. These recalls address issues including engine hard parts and, for FWD variants, the fuel pump.
- The 2019 Altima AWD earned NHTSA's top 5-star overall rating, but the frontal category specifically came in at 4 stars, the one sub-category that did not achieve a perfect score.
- Seven recall campaigns have been issued against this specific model year, covering engine internal hard parts, two rearview camera harness campaigns, Continental tires, and a fuel pump on FWD 2.5-liter models.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 3.5 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning on this configuration and lane departure warning listed only as optional, meaning crash-avoidance capability varies significantly by how the vehicle was originally equipped.
- NHTSA has received 221 unverified complaints for this model year, with 41 of those allegations directed at the forward collision avoidance system, the highest single-component complaint cluster after the electrical system.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Nissan Altima places
The 2019 Nissan Altima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Nissan Altima safety questions
Was the 2019 Nissan Altima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Nissan Altima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Nissan Altima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Nissan Altima earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Altima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Nissan Altima. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Nissan Altima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 221 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Nissan Altima. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Altima years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14117), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Altima 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 96 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.